Haiti: MSF announces the reopening of its emergency centre in Turgeau, Port-au-Prince
In a fragile context for hospitals and ambulances, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is committed to the resumption of medical activities at the Emergency and Referral Centre in Turgeau, a neighbourhood near downtown Port-au-Prince. At 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, the facility at 34 Avenue Charles Summer in Turgeau resumed its activities to meet the community’s emergency health care needs.
“The decision to suspend the centre’s activities on Nov. 20 was very difficult to take. We know how important the Turgeau emergency centre’s services are to the people of Port-au-Prince, and that’s why we’re happy to be able to reopen its doors. However, during this tense period, we would ask you to fully respect ambulances, structures, medical staff and patients at all times.” said Jean-Marc Biquet, MSF’s country director in Haiti. Since 2021, the MSF Centre in Turgeau has been able to treat more than 100,000 people. “MSF has made representations to the authorities, who have assured us that they will do everything necessary to raise awareness and ensure that ambulances are respected,” says Jean-Marc Biquet.
Jean-Marc Biquet, MSF country director, Haiti
“The security situation in Haiti is alarming and is having a considerable impact on access to health care.”
The Centre receives all cases of medical or traumatic emergencies lasting less than 48 hours. It is a short-stay facility with the capacity for stabilization and emergency care, as well as referrals as required. The centre offers patients a place of welcome, quality health care in a stable environment, and can draw on the technical facilities and medical expertise of an emergency centre.
“The security situation in Haiti is alarming and is having a considerable impact on access to health care. In this already very difficult context, MSF is dismayed by the targeting of hospitals and ambulances. Today, it is essential that everyone respects the right to health for all under Haitian human rights and laws”, says the country director.
